New Review: AQR’s Mathematics for the World Around Us

Advanced Quantitative Reasoning’s (AQR) Mathematics for the World Around Us is a comprehensive course for high school students who have successfully completed Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics III. Learning List reviewed the course’s print teacher and student editions as submitted for state adoption in Texas.  AQR’s materials indicate that an interactive electronic version of the textbook was in development at the time of Learning List’s review (summer 2014).

Mathematics for the World Around Us combines the traditional high school mathematics content (i.e., algebra, geometry, and functions) with college and career readiness topics (e.g., financial literacy, statistics, and modeling). The course serves as an option for fourth-year high school math instruction in Texas. Prerequisites includes: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II OR Integrated High School Mathematics I, II, and III.  Content is broken into three parts: Numerical Reasoning Probability, Statistical Reasoning, and Modeling With Algebra and Discrete Mathematics.

Across parts, instruction focuses on exploration and inquiry of concepts. Content includes frequent textbox activities titled “Quick Questions,” “Explorations,” and “Investigations.” Quick Questions take a few minutes to complete, explorations take a little longer, and investigations may take the full period. Each part also includes a larger capstone project focused on a real-world problem.  Mathematics for the World Around Us does not include formal tests. However, the course’s activities, exercises, and projects support performance-based assessments of learning.

Teacher editions include appendices with teaching notes and answer keys. Students will need a graphing calculator. AQR provides course files for use with TI-nspire CAS calculator on its website.